title: Antimicrobial stewardship: the role of the nurse.
abstract: Infections caused by organisms resistant to multiple drugs are associated with morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. Since antibiotic use is the main factor in the development of resistance, it is hoped that the judicious use of antibiotics will reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This article addresses antibiotic misuse in the inpatient setting and outlines the role of the nurse in optimising antibiotic therapy through antimicrobial stewardship.
authors.affiliation: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ladenheim
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosembert
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hallam
authors.forename: Christianne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Micallef
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents